Buying used cars became popular in recent years as people realized that used cars could be as excellent as new cars. It is affordable and needs little modifications to look and feel just brand-new. However, there are certain situations where Car Buyers in colorado Springs get scammed by fraud sellers. This article will focus not only on some popular scams that people face while buying a secondhand car but also the tips to step aside from falling into these traps.
Odometer fraud
Apart from the brand and model of the car, the mileage of a used car has the most significant impact on its value. Odometer fraud is a widespread scam to watch out for when buying used cars. Another name for this fraud is clocking. The average miles per year on a used car are fixed, and buyers should expect the odometer to show no less than the fixed figure. However, if the odometer shows less, it can be an odometer fraud case. To avoid auto dealer fraud, one must compare the odometer mileage with the mileage mentioned on the maintenance papers of the car.
Title washing
Fraudulent dealers can try and sell a vehicle with a salvage title. Salvaged cars were previously damaged by floods, fires, or collisions but have been rebuilt to drivable standards. To buy a secondhand car without getting scammed, one must be aware of title-washing fraud because scammers will do anything to hide a salvaged vehicle’s original history. Car Buyers in Colorado Springs can avoid it by reviewing the vehicle’s history and the record of title transfers.
Curbstone
These are car dealers impersonating ordinary folks to scam buyers. Dealers that disguise themselves as non-dealers or persons selling a lot of cars are usually the ones who do it. One needs to get a vehicle history report. It is also essential to ask for the vehicle’s title and the customer’s driver’s license.
The stolen car
One should verify the condition of the used car before purchasing it. Scammers can sell stolen cars just like they can sell salvage cars. They can fabricate the papers for a stolen car. It can be hard to tell whether or not a car has been stolen. Therefore, one must request the seller’s license and the vehicle’s registration and make sure everything is carefully examined before the deal. It is essential to watch out for fake documents.
Conclusion
These are the common scams that Car Buyers in Colorado Springs must be aware of. If everything goes right, they can proceed with the deal. However, it is essential to review the car for additional assurance. One must take a test drive for at least 5 km to understand the car and the driving comfort. Also, one needs to make sure the car starts instantly, as well as the functioning gear, steer, and brakes are in excellent condition. Lastly, it is essential to look for oil leakage issues from the engine and the gearbox.